Ask the DMV: Registration surcharges pay for technology and the DOT

Debbie Rich

Saturday

Mar 29, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Q: When I received my car registration renewal it gave an amount to pay of $191.50 so I wrote the check for that amount. When I received my new registration in the mail, it showed a different amount of...

Q: When I received my car registration renewal it gave an amount to pay of $191.50 so I wrote the check for that amount. When I received my new registration in the mail, it showed a different amount of $180. Where does the extra $11.50 go? you.

Rosann, Westerly

A: The registration fee of $191.50 is correct. The $1.50 technology fee and the $10surcharge for the DOT Transportation Fund are not listed on the registration certificate.

The Transportation Investment and Debt Reduction Act of 2011 enacted by the Rhode Island General Assembly through RIGL 39-18.1-4, created a special account known as the Rhode Island Highway Maintenance Trust Fund through incremental increases of license and registration fees. It is part of a plan to reduce the state’s reliance on borrowing for transportation. The incremental increases began in FY 2014 and will reach their peak in FY 2016, when they will generate approximately $20 million annually, allowing the R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to use the proceeds for operating costs.

Splitting plates is illegal

Q: I have a neighbor who keeps taking the plate off one car and putting it on another. I’m guessing that one of these vehicles is not insured. Whom should I contact with my complaint?

Dennis

A: In circumstances such as this one, you should report the complaint to your local law enforcement agency. Splitting the use of one registration between two vehicles is not allowed in Rhode Island.

Antique plates and titles

Q: I have an antique vehicle and it has a regular registration. What benefits would I get if I also registered it as an antique? The only one you have mentioned is that the car would not need to pass emissions testing. Also … how do I get a title for my car? Can it be done by mail or must I take the documentation to the DMV?

David, Little Compton

A: For an antique registration, the vehicle must be at least 25 years old and used only for exhibitions, parades, car club activities, etc. No inspection is required. If you also want to use your vehicle for everyday functions, a dual registration is recommended. This option does require a vehicle inspection. Since your vehicle is already registered properly, the antique plates are not required by DMV. If you plan to participate in any antique car club activities, you may want to check their requirements regarding display and registration.

In reference to your question about how to obtain a title, you should know that DMV does not issue titles for vehicles model year 2000 and older. If you would like to obtain documentation in lieu of a title, you must fill out the Application for Registration and/or Driver License Information and pay a fee of $11.50.

Titles are only required for vehicles that are 2001 and newer. Duplicate titles are processed at the DMV headquarters in Cranston only. You must complete the Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9) form. Costs are listed in the DMV Fee Table. The Research Office at the DMV headquarters in Cranston can assist you in documenting the vehicle’s information. You can only apply for a duplicate title if you are the owner listed on the original title. If you still have a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder can apply. If your title has a lienholder listed on it but you've paid off the loan, you will need an original lien release from the lienholder and present it with your application. This process may be done by mail as long as all of the forms are filled out completely and the documents are properly notarized as required. It may be best to bring your documentation to DMV in Cranston to prevent any delays in processing.